The Qualicum Weavers and Spinners Guild supports personal growth in the fibre arts through study groups, workshops, mentoring and sharing of experience.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

The Great Stash Reduction Challenge Part Two

Take a good look at your stash. If any of the previous descriptions apply, then you need to admit that you have a problem. What to do about it? Well, you can join in The Great Stash Reduction Challenge.

The objective of the Challenge is to reduce the amount of material in your stash. You could put it in an unmarked green garbage bag and donate it to a local thrift shop. No one will know where it came from. Please don't do that! It just tempts the yarn addicted (like me) to buy more stuff. The Challenge is a better way to reduce your stash and achieve a sense of accomplishment.

First I need to explain the rules. Yes, there are rules. Without some structure you are not going to get past thinking about all the different projects that you could do. So, we are going to narrow the choices a bit and see if that helps you to focus. We need a deadline too or you may start but never finish the project.

THE RULES

The purpose is to use up your existing inventory of yarns and fibres by creating a finished piece of fibre art.

The item must be finished during 2011. The item could have been started earlier. This is for those of you with unfinished items who need incentive to get on with it.

If you are a member of the Qualicum Weavers & Spinners Guild you must have the item completed by our June meeting so aim for the first week of June. If you are not a member then set your own deadline. BUT SET A DEADLINE!!

The piece can be any fibre art item using any technique but it must be a finished piece. Simply spinning fibre into yarn doesn't count as this is equivalent to moving items from one category to another within your stash. The goal here is move items OUT of your stash.

The piece must feature an item that has been in your stash for 5 or more years. It's the older items that need attention.

The piece can have newly purchased ingredients but the majority of the ingredients should be from your existing stash. Consider items obtained before January 1, 2011 as existing stash.

If you are a member of the Qualicum Weavers and Spinners you may enter your piece in the Challenge in one of the following three categories. Who knows you may win a prize. At the vary least you will clear some space in your cupboard.

Longest time sitting on the shelf category for the piece that contains the oldest (in terms of your storage system) material. You'll need to back up your claim with a story.

Volume discount category for the piece that uses up the largest amount (by weight) of material. A bathroom scale is suitable for obtaining the weight.

Most imaginative means of using up stash items in a creative endeavour category. Any fibre art item and any technique.

Take some time to visit with your stash, especially those items that are buried deep inside drawers, storages boxes and those green garbage bags. Bring along your favourite beverage as this will take a while. Spread the items around the floor. Group them together as you see them combining to form a work of art. Feel those creative urges stirring and get on with it. Check this blog at the end of June to see how the Qualicum Weavers & Spinners made out.

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About Us

The Qualicum Weavers and Spinners Guild has been part of the Oceanside artisan community since 1991. The guild evolved from a small group of students of noted local weaver Elaine Duncan to approximately 50 members. The group promotes the fibre arts through information sharing, demonstrations and workshops. The group meets the fourth Monday of the month at Qualicum Commons in Qualicum Beach to exchange ideas and learn. Much of the learning occurs in the form of show and tell with individual artisans sharing their experiences. Study groups, workshops and mentoring all support the guild's goal of fostering personal growth in the fibre arts. The guild is a member of the Oceanside Arts Council, The Association of North West Weaving Guilds and the Guild of Canadian Hand Weavers.

Guests are welcome to attend our monthly meetings. For the schedule see Guild Events.

Links of Interest

ELEGANT THREADS

Elegant Threads is the annual show and sale of the Qualicum Weavers and Spinners.

It features one of a kind hand spun yarns, unique clothing, household linens and decor and whimsical creations. All of the items are hand crafted by members of the guild.

Thanks to everyone who helped with the sale including family members who provided the heavy lifting.

Thanks also to Winterfest for helping with the promotion.

If you missed the show look for us in November of 2018

Guild Events

January 16 to 30th, Knitting Basics lessons, Qualicum Commons

January 24, 10 am to 3 pm, Beginners Weaving Course, This course runs for 5 weeks on Wednesdays. It takes place at the guild studio at 744 Primrose St, Qualicum Beach. For more information contact weaversatelier@shaw.ca

Feb 22, 2pm , Exploring More Study Group meeting Qualicum Commons

Feb 23 and 28, Nuno Felting 1 day Workshop, Qualicum Commons (Feb 23rd session is full). This workshop is open to non-members. Contact us if you are interested in attending the Feb 28th session.

Feb 27, 10 pm, Annual General Meeting, Qualicum Commons

March 5 and 12, 1 to 4 pm, Learning Weaving Drafts. Day 1, the basics, Day 2 profile drafts. This workshop is open to non-members. Contact us if you are interested.

Tuesdays 10 am to 12 pm, Spinning group meets most Tuesdays at the guild studio in Qualicum Commons